Press Release
U.S. Commerce Secretary Pritzker Announces Competition for Next Round of Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership Designations
Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker announced that the round two designation competition of the ‘Investing in Manufacturing Communities Partnership’ (IMCP) is now open (PDF). IMCP, an Administration-wide initiative coordinated by the U.S. Commerce Department, is designed to accelerate the resurgence of manufacturing in communities nationwide.
With today’s announcement, the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking to designate up to 12 additional communities as “manufacturing communities” under the IMCP initiative. Specifically, the program aligns federal economic development investments behind long-term economic development strategies that help communities attract and expand private investment in the manufacturing sector and increase international trade and exports. Secretary Pritzker announced the first 12 communities to receive a designation under IMCP in May 2014.
“The IMCP is a critical component of the Department of Commerce’s “Open for Business Agenda,” which aims to promote innovation and investment in the United States,” said Secretary Pritzker. “By expanding the program to more communities, we hope to continue to bolster our nation’s manufacturing sector and ultimately strengthen U.S. competitiveness in the global economy.”
As with the previous competition, communities will have an opportunity to compete for a special designation that will elevate them in consideration for $1.3 billion in federal dollars and assistance from 10 federal departments and agencies. In addition, each designated community will receive a federal liaison and branding and promotion as a designated Manufacturing Community to help attract additional private investment and partnerships.
“The first round designees have already successfully secured grants, formed crucial partnerships, and made real strides toward strengthening their regions’ manufacturing sectors,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams. “The IMCP initiative is already starting to have an impact, and we hope to see that impact continue to grow with the next round of designations.”
A notice has been posted to the Federal Register (PDF) with information on how to apply. As with the first round of competition, in order to earn the designation, communities need to demonstrate the significance of a manufacturing presence in their region and develop strategies to make investments in six areas: 1) workforce and training, 2) advanced research, 3) infrastructure and site development, 4) supply chain support, 5) trade and international investment, 6) operational improvement and capital access.
To view the Federal Register Notice, visit: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-01-29/pdf/2015-01763.pdf (PDF).
For more information on IMCP, visit: http://www.eda.gov/challenges/imcp/index.htm.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.